In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

“Living by your own rules”

1903. We all know that date – the year Harley-Davidson was born, and the year this story begins in this three two-hour miniseries. Keeping in mind this is a docudrama, NOT a documentary, this is an exciting ride through the first three decades of American motorcycling. Through some growing pains of various obstacles, competition from Excellsior Auto Cycle (they did not use the term “motorcycle”) and, primarily Indian Motocycle (again, not using “motorcycle” in the name), we see the huge risks founders Walter and Arthur Davidson and their friend Bill Harley took to work out their own personal difference (all three would have to come together to make this work) as well as establishing and growing the dream of their own motorcycle company.

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

Getting an actual first bike built, that runs, was of course the initial challenge. Once they have a bike, they have to prove themselves in racing to demonstrate they are to be taken seriously.

At the turn of the century Indian already had a head start, and Bill Harley used his engineering education to come up with new designs to also put Harley-Davidson on the map and record books. Noting the scarcity of actual antique motorcycles, we’ll allow artistic license that these are replicas used in the racing scenes in this segment, but the point is well taken that it is estimated 50% of motorcycle sales were driven by which company won on the racetrack. Both Indian and Harley-Davidson saw this as an opportunity to up the stakes by agreeing to participate in oval motordrome board track racing – certainly unequalled excitement for the time to watch machines fly flat out, no brakes – top speed only, around a wooden banked track. It was also horribly dangerous, both for riders (at best, a spill meant agonizing splinters!) and for spectators when a rider went flying into onlookers. This was then followed by flat-track racing, every bit as exciting, and now continues to this day with the return of Indian and its new FTR 750 dirt track racer.

“This is the type of compelling and honest storytelling that fits perfectly for Discovery Channel,” said Rich Ross, Group President of Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Science Channel. “It is a story about brotherhood, an ironclad will to succeed and going against the conventional wisdom of that time. The founders of Harley-Davidson created more than just a motorcycle. They created modern entrepreneurism.”

By WWl, sales for Indian were already around 45,000 units – the world’s largest motorcycle company, to Harleys 10,000. But Uncle Sam changed things up for the war effort – a lid on gasoline and labor for civilian use, but a new demand for motorcycles for military use. Both Indian and Harley got the contract. (Indian supplied 41,000 bikes to Harley’s 15,000 – a fact omitted by the producers). Harley offered not only an attractive design, but unprecedented free training for servicemen in the field so they could fix their bikes themselves on the spot. Indian, hoping to make a killing with this war contract, underbid the costs of making and selling its machines, lost a ton of money, and this was the first nail in Indian’s coffin. Hereafter Harley-Davidson would be first in sales, and in large part because of how The Motor Company had the back of servicemen. And still does. No spoilers, but active Harley military owners and veterans may not have a dry eye when this is brought home in the scene at the end of WWI. Also embracing boisterous motorcycle clubs across the nation brought owners into the Harley-Davidson “Family.”

It’s said it’s easy to captain a ship in calm seas. Even in the #1 spot, it will not always be calm seas for Walter, Arthur and Bill. Patent lawsuits. The Great Depression. Personal tragedy. Even owners of other marques will be cheering for Harley & the Davidsons to win over whatever fate throws at them. This is not a story about a machine, even as the three work together to create the first “Knucklehead” super-bike, as much as it is about “Family.” And it is because it has been about family, it is why Harley-Davidson thrives to this day. Walter, Arthur and Bill would be proud of this exciting and entertaining mini-series.

The series is led by an all-star cast including Michiel Huisman (“Game of Thrones”) as Walter Davidson, Robert Aramayo (“Game of Thrones”) as William (Bill) Harley and Bug Hall (“The Little Rascals”) playing the role of Arthur Davidson. Penned by Evan Wright, Seth Fisher and Nick Schenk.

2016 - Harley & the Davidsons TV Show

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS

In this 3-night television event, experience the untold true story of two friends who refused to settle for the status quo. On a humble street in Milwaukee at the turn of the century, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson designed a motorized bicycle that they believed would give people a new way to see the world around them. Ride along as we go inside the minds, hearts and motors and see how ordinary men took their dream and built a company that became a global empire. Starring: Robert Aramayo as Bill Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson, Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, Gabriel Luna ans Eddie Hasha and Annie Read as Anna Harley.

About Ray Seidel

Ray Seidel has had a varied background, ranging from archaeologist to film critic & radio personality. He has been a rider since 1970, on single, twin, four cylinder; metric, Harley-Davidson, Indian. He was Vice-President of the Indian Riders Group – Corona, CA, and a motojournalist for Quick Throttle Magazine since 2005, initially specializing on Indian motorcycles, past, present, and future. At the present time his stable consists of a garlic scented 2002 Indian Spirit, and a well traveled Indian red 2015 Indian Scout. He has ridden to Sturgis, Laughlin, among other destinations, all chronicled in the pages of QT. Ray has specialized in stories for QT on motorcycle themed movies and television shows, including all seven seasons of “Sons of Anarchy.”